本文從聯合國教育科學文化組織公共圖書館宣言，及90年代後包括美國、加拿大 和臺灣，針對公共圖書館所提出的角色期許與規劃等角度，採討公共圖書館在網路資訊時代 的任務與角色。此外，並從協助經濟貧窮者的角度，回溯公共圖書館的原始功能。

　　　　　This article is to explicate the missions and the roles of public libraries in information age through the Unesco Public Library Manifesto, and also through the investigation or the planning about the future of public libraries in several countries, including the United States, Canada and Taiwan. In addition, one of the fundamental purposes of public libraries, helping the poor, has been reaffirmed.